Chapter 1 The Next Game

UConn's next game was against Marquette University.

This was the second and final matchup between the two teams this season.

Unlike the last time, this game was being played on Marquette University's home court.

Walker still traveled with the team. He didn't seem to be limping anymore, but strains needed rest, and he was still about two weeks away from returning.

Walker was out, and UConn had just suffered a three-game losing streak, making this an excellent opportunity for Marquette University to seek revenge.

Moreover, the outcome of this game was crucial for Marquette University. If they won, they would rise from eighth to seventh in the league; otherwise, they would drop to ninth.

Before the game, the camera focused on the team's core player, Jimmy Butler, whose expression was serious.

As one of the most hardworking players in the NCAA, he, like Walker, was constantly thinking about how to lead the team to victory.

Marquette University had a good record at the beginning of the season, but then fluctuated. Now they were still fighting for a spot in the championship, which put a lot of pressure on his shoulders.

Although Lavoy Allen had left UConn, he had a good relationship with the team's backup center, Forsythe. Seeing him sitting on the sidelines, he prepared to go over and say hello.

"What are you doing?" But he was stopped by Butler after taking only two steps.

After stopping him, Butler walked straight towards him.

"I'm just going to say hello. Alexander is my friend," Allen explained.

"He's not your friend. They are our opponents now, our enemies," Butler said.

Allen was stunned for a moment.

"Go back to training," Butler said, pulling Allen back.

Butler was the team leader. Although Allen was reluctant, he didn't show it.

The pre-game training for both teams ended, and the starting players from both sides took to the court one after another.

A huge cheer erupted from the crowd.

Although Marquette University's record fluctuated, they played hard in every game under Butler's leadership. Such a team had a high status in the hearts of the fans.

The stadium was packed for every game, and the fans expressed their support for the team in the most enthusiastic way.

Butler patted his chest, pointed to the sky, and then took a deep breath as he entered the court.

On the UConn side, Walker sat on the sidelines in a suit. Napier started in his place, and the other four starters were the same as before.

"Old man, do you really think everything's okay?" Ollie turned to Calhoun.

He still vividly remembered what happened on the training ground a few days ago. Since that one-on-one, Lamb hadn't said a word during training.

"We'll know soon enough," Calhoun said calmly.

Ollie hesitated, but in the end, he didn't say anything.

Truthfully, Calhoun was retiring this year, and he would be the head coach next season. Once Walker left, Lamb would be his core player. If Tang Tian broke Lamb's mentality, he really didn't know who to complain to.

"Beep!"

With the referee's whistle, Oriakhi tipped the ball back to UConn's half, and the game officially began.

Napier dribbled the ball to the frontcourt, and Tang Tian came up for a high pick-and-roll. After the screen, he dropped to the three-point line, and Napier dribbled towards the inside.

Thanks to Tang Tian's gravity at the three-point line, this tactic had become one of UConn's regular tactics. The only difference was that the initiator had changed from Walker to Napier.

Napier was two levels below Walker, but his breakthrough speed was still good. Seeing that Marquette University didn't double-team him, he accelerated past the opposing power forward and rushed to the basket.

Allen came over to help defend, and Napier leaned against him before using a low left-handed layup.

The two had been on the same team before, and Napier knew his defensive habits, dodging the block perfectly.

"Bang!"

The ball hit the backboard and bounced into the net.

UConn scored first.

"What are you doing?! Block him! Have you forgotten what happened before?" Butler turned around and roared at Allen, clearly dissatisfied with Allen's defense just now. After all, the one who scored just now was Napier, not Walker.

Allen's expression became serious after being yelled at.

Marquette University's offense, Butler was guarded by Tang Tian. He didn't force the attack. Seeing that Allen had a chance in the high post, he flicked the ball to him.

Allen received the ball and leaned against Oriakhi before turning around for a mid-range jump shot.

Oriakhi's speed was a bit slow to keep up.

"Swish!"

Allen's mid-range shot went in, scoring the first point for Marquette University.

Butler took the initiative to reach out and gave him a hard high-five.

"That's it, defeat them!"

His mental attribute was indeed high, and Allen's entire state was mobilized by him.

"It's okay, just stick closer," Tang Tian said to Oriakhi on the UConn side.

Oriakhi nodded.

Napier dribbled the ball to the frontcourt. The same tactic, but this time Allen's help defense was in place, and he had no chance, so he dribbled the ball back to the three-point line.

With half of the 35-second shot clock gone, he signaled his teammates to run a new tactic.

Tang Tian started to run a baseline three-pointer off a screen from Smith.

After scoring 21 points on 7 shots against Georgetown, Tang Tian's open three-pointers were already heavily guarded by his opponents. Not only was the opposing forward closely following him, but Butler also appeared between Napier and him, cutting off the passing route.

UConn's tactic was countered, but after Tang Tian drew Marquette University's defensive attention, Lamb had an opportunity on the other side at a 45-degree angle.

Napier flicked the pass.

Lamb got a very good open three-point opportunity. He didn't hesitate after receiving the ball and shot directly.

"Bang!"

The ball was shot a little heavy, hitting the back of the rim and bouncing high.

He still couldn't make the shot.

"Failed?" Ollie couldn't help but feel a jump in his heart when he saw this scene.

At this moment, Oriakhi used his height advantage to grab the offensive rebound over Allen's head.

A figure rushed straight to the inside from the outside.

It was Lamb.

He had already rushed inside after missing the shot.

Seeing this, Oriakhi flicked the ball over, and Lamb caught it, shooting against Allen's defense.

Allen tried his best to block the shot at this time, and his defensive attitude was obviously better than when he defended Napier earlier.

His wingspan was excellent, completely covering Lamb's shooting angle.

However, Lamb showed his talent at this time, dodging with a small pull-up in the air, and then shooting after dodging Allen.

"Slap!"

Allen's block hit Lamb's hand, and he couldn't stop his body, directly knocking Lamb to the ground.

The referee on the sidelines blew his whistle, indicating that Allen's defense was a foul.

"Bang!"

The ball shot by Lamb hit the backboard, bounced once, and then rolled into the net.

The ball went in.

It was a 2+1!